As a patient who was recommended hyperbaric therapy or as someone who heard of it and wants to know more, this is the article for you. You probably have questions such as, “how much is this going to cost?” Well, if you would like to know how this therapy can help you, how much a session costs, and how long you would need to take them, then read on.
Do Hyperbaric Treatments Aid Stroke Recovery?
In a stroke, your brain wasn’t able to get the oxygen it needed because of a block or because viens were hemmorhaging. After the stroke, your brain needs even more oxygen to renew important neural connections that will allow you to move and function more like you used to.
That’s why hyperbaric treatment for stroke recovery are often recommended by doctors today. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) puts you in an environment that has greater pressure and usually pumping in 100% oxygen. It’s been shown to be effective against stroke inflammation and reestablishing neuroplasticity.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
Treatment costs per session wll vary depending on,
- Choice of hospital hyperbaric team or a separate huperbaric facility
- Where you live
- The number of sessions you need (determined by your doctor)
- Whether you’re receiving hard or soft HBOT
For hard HBOT sessions (100% oxygen) in a chamber performed in hyperbaric clinics, the cost ranges between $250 and $450 per session. Once there are enough improvements, you might be recommended 3-5minute hard HBOT sessions, or soft HBOT with 21% oxygen. These sessions will range between $75 – $150 each.
Is Hyperbaric Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Thankfully, insurance companies (I.C.s) will cover HBOT, but it depends on what their clients are being treated for, and who is contracted with them. There are certain conditions, like gangrene that these companies acknowledge are treated very well by HBOT, but others, like strokes, are treated as “off-label” ailments with HBOT, so I.C.s may or may not pay.
It’s up to you to contact your I.C.s and ask the following:
- Do they cover HBOT for your stroke damage?
- How much do they cover?
- How many sessions will they cover?
- If you are required to share the cost, how do they want you to pay? Copay? Towards a deductible?
Some facilities will be contracted with I.C.s to make things easier, but you would have to call the facility and ask who they are contracted with.
How Long do Hyperbaric Treatments Take?
Each session of oxygen therapy lasts between an hour and hour and a half. Depending on the extent of the damage of your stroke, or strokes, you may need to receive sessions between 1-2 times per week, or 1-2 times every day, 5 days a week. After the initial sessions, some patients continue to take sessions as necessary for regular health maintenance.
Conclusion
Hyperbaric treatment for stroke recovery is not a cheap or short process, but it has promising results for a greater quality of life. Do due diligence with your insurance and viable government financial programs, and you’ll be able to experience HBOT yourself.
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